If youโre looking for a pasta dish that balances rich creaminess with refreshing citrus zest, Lemon Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice. This recipe features crispy, golden breaded chicken breasts served over tender fettuccine coated in a luscious lemon-cream sauce. The garlic and Parmesan add savory depth, while fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten every bite.
Easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Letโs explore how to make this flavorful and satisfying meal step-by-step.
๐ Ingredients Youโll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
๐ฉโ๐ณ How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta
๐น Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly or slice chicken breasts horizontally if thick, so they cook evenly.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge chicken first in flour, shaking off excess; then dip into eggs; finally, coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
๐น Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for about 4โ5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165ยฐF / 74ยฐC).
- Remove from pan and keep warm on a plate covered loosely with foil.
๐น Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and reserve about ยฝ cup of pasta water.
๐น Step 4: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Add Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
๐น Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Toss cooked pasta in the lemon cream sauce until well coated.
- Slice the breaded chicken and arrange on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra zing.
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Serve alongside steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- A side of warm garlic bread complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
๐ก Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh lemons for the best brightness and flavor.
- Donโt overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken โ cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture and help it cling better to pasta.
- For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before breading the chicken.
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well with this sauce.
2. How do I keep the chicken crispy after cooking?
Serve immediately or keep warm on a rack in a low oven (about 200ยฐF) while you prepare the sauce and pasta.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and substitute pasta with a gluten-free variety.
4. Can I prepare parts ahead?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it a few hours ahead. Cook just before serving for best texture.
5. How can I make the sauce lighter?
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, but the sauce will be less rich.
PrintLemon Chicken Pasta: A Bright and Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Lemon Chicken Pasta features crispy breaded chicken breasts served over fettuccine tossed in a creamy, tangy lemon Parmesan sauce. A fresh and comforting meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Swap fettuccine for linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan Fry & Boil
- Cuisine: Italian-American
๐ Conclusion
Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delicious balance of crispy, creamy, and fresh flavors that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Itโs approachable enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, delivering a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Next time you want a dinner that feels special without hours of effort, try this recipe โ the bright lemon and creamy sauce will brighten your plate and your mood!